A Story of How Cancer, Divorce and Uncertainty Could Not Overcome Faith, Hope & Love!
Written by Carrie Stewart
I have to say, I’m a hopeful romantic, and the love story of our wonderful friends John and Cheryl Bookstaver is one of faith, courage, passion and true unconditional love. Shawn and I had the amazing privilege of singing at their wedding and Shawn had a blast photographing the reception. Shawn and I met John many years ago at church, and at the time he was a single dad of three. Since then, he has been a blessing and true friend to us and our family. A few years later, a beautiful woman named Cheryl…a single mom of two smart and energetic twin girls, entered his life. John and Cheryl became close friends and eventually began to date. It became very clear that their feelings for each other were growing deeper, and those of us who were watching their story unfold were wondering if this might become a happily ever after ending for them.
But, not too long into their story, their new found love was to going to be tested. You see, John was diagnosed with cancer. From the moment of the diagnosis, through ALL his treatments, and the struggles of day in and day out dealing with all that one has to endure having this illness, Cheryl stood by his side the whole time. During this time, when so many people’s relationships are tested and sadly many fall apart, John and Cheryl’s faith, love, and bond as a couple only deepened. I am THRILLED to say that today, John is healthy and doing well!!!
As I reflect on their journey that they have already shared over the past few years, they have been such a testament of what second chances and true love can be…and I pray that their “happily ever after” will last for many, many years to come…